Boone County Commission Approves Tax

COLUMBIA - The Boone County Commission proposed a one-eighth-cent sales tax, that would benefit county parks. Karen Miller, District 1 Commissioner for Boone County confirmed today that the Commission approved the second reading of the measure.

Columbia resident Greg Olson said that the CMEC is an "asset to the county" and that something needs to be done to improve its facilities. But he said he's not sure if he supports a sales tax.

"It seems clear that something needs to be done to make this a little bit better facility. Like the restrooms are a little sub-par. There's a lot that can be done to make this facility work a little better," Olson said.

Boone County bought the fairground for $2.4 million in 1999, but the CMEC does not generate profit. In fact, for the past few years, the county has been subsidizing it.

Northern District Boone County Commissioner Janet Thompson said that there is a lack of resources and that the proposed sales tax isn't just to maintain the park but to develop it into a premier park for the region.

"Do you want a Boone County that values its rich traditions with its fairgrounds?," Thompson said. "Do you want something more? Do you want a park system that has those amenities that right now, we can't afford."

Olson said in order to develop the park, the facilities must be upgraded.

"If you're going to attract families to events out here, you want a place for them to be comfortable. They want to be able to use the bathrooms. Maybe a little better electricity, a little better plumbing," Olson said.